A rural community group is taking on a mining giant in a legal battle, accusing Australia’s largest gold and copper operation of contaminating nearby farmland and waterways with toxic dust. The Cadia Community Sustainability Network has filed a class action against Newmont’s mine in central western New South Wales, claiming that arsenic, heavy metals, and PFAS have been detected on private properties close to the mine, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
The lawsuit alleges that a dam wall collapse in 2018 resulted in plumes of dust rising from the mine’s tailings facility, and more recently, foamy contamination has been reported in the Belubula River, which supports native species and irrigates properties. Lab tests have confirmed the presence of heavy metals and PFAS in the water, believed to originate from the mine’s operations.
The community group, led by lawyer Oliver Gayner, has conducted extensive testing on various sources of water and livestock, uncovering unsafe levels of toxic substances. Despite Newmont’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the group remains determined to hold the company accountable for its actions.
In response to previous dust emissions offences, Newmont was fined over $400,000 by the NSW Land and Environment Court, with additional payments for equipment to support dust monitoring. The ongoing legal battle highlights the community’s efforts to push for greater accountability and regulation in the mining industry.
The class action against Cadia Holdings is scheduled for further proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court, as local residents continue to fight for environmental justice. The situation underscores the need for stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
